Child safety car seat with position-adjustable shoulder safety belts

ABSTRACT

A safety car seat for a child has a headrest vertical moving device, a shoulder belt position control device, a sleeping support position control device, a crotch belt position control device, a footrest step position control device and a moving device for changing the size or capacity of a support space for protecting the child. The shoulder belt position control device includes two holding plates that slide along two inclined elongated holes and are connected by two pivotable control arms to a control pin that slides along a vertical guide slot in the seat backrest. Upper portions of the shoulder belts pass through slit holes in the holding plates. The upper ends of the belts can be adjusted higher, wider apart and less inclined, or lower, closer together and more inclined.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a Continuation Application of our copendingU.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/496,151, filed on Feb. 1, 2000, nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,481,794, issued Nov. 19, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a technique for changing the capacityof a space for supporting a juvenile whose body is in the process ofgrowth, and more particularly, it relates to a technique for enabling abed state optimum for a baby based on medical criteria in a neonatalperiod, infancy or childhood.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The most important factors of a child-care instrument are excellentsafeness and comfortability for a juvenile or child. Among child-careinstruments, particularly a child safety car seat employed in a car mustbe comfortable and assure a high safety in supporting a child in aproper state responsive to the growth of the child.

A neonate grows into an infant, a child and a school child, and itshabitus or growth changes in this process. Therefore, the juvenilesafety car seat must change the space for supporting the juvenile inresponse to the change of its habitus for regularly providing an optimumspace responsive to the growth of the child. Further, it is extremelyimportant to protect the brain, the neck and respiration of thejuvenile, particularly a neonate or an infant whose brain is in adevelopmental stage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a juvenile safety carseat capable of providing optimum comfortability and safeness for achild with due regard to the growth stage of the child's body.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a child safety carseat improved for easy handling.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a safety carseat improved in safety on the basis of an improved attachability to aseat of a car.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a protectorcapable of providing optimum comfortability and safeness for a childwith due regard to the growth stage of the child's body, particularly aprotector enabling protection with a multilayer structure for a childwhose brain is in a developmental stage.

A further object of the present invention relates to a child-careinstrument and a bed for a neonate enabling a bed state optimum for ababy based on medical criteria in a neonatal period, infancy orchildhood.

The child safety seat according to the present invention provides achild safety seat adapted to be secured to a car seat by a seat beltprovided on said car seat, said child safety seat comprising a seat bodyincluding a backrest for supporting a child's back, a headrest movablysupported by said seat body, said headrest including a head guard wallrising from a plane of said headrest for protecting the top of the headof a child in said safety seat, and headrest moving means operativelyconnected to said headrest for controlling a position of said headrestincluding said head guard wall relative to said backrest.

Thus, it is possible to protect the juvenile with a capacity responsiveto its growth. Consequently, the child safety car seat has been improvedfor comfort and safety of the entire child.

In the aforementioned aspect, the capacity-variable device preferablyhas a head space control device for changing the capacity of a headspace that is part of the support space, in response to growth of thehead of the child.

Thus, it is possible to protect the head of the child with a capacityresponsive to growth of the child. Consequently, the child safety carseat can be improved in comfortability and safeness for the head of thechild. The term “juvenile” is used herein as a synonym for “child”.

In order to implement the aforementioned aspect in a more preferablestate, the following structures are employed:

More preferably, the aforementioned head space control device includes ahead guard for protecting the head of a juvenile and a head guardvertical position control device for controlling the vertical positionof the head guard with respect to the head position of the juvenile.

More preferably, the aforementioned head space control device includes ahead guard provided substantially above a backrest portion of theaforementioned juvenile safety car seat and a head guard attachmentangle control device for controlling the angle of attachment of the headguard with respect to the aforementioned backrest portion, in order toprotect the head of the juvenile.

More preferably, the aforementioned head space control device includes apair of side guards for protecting the lateral surfaces of the head ofthe juvenile and a side guard vertical position control device forcontrolling the vertical positions of the aforementioned pair of sideguards with respect to the head position of the juvenile.

More preferably, the aforementioned head space control device includes apair of side guards for protecting the lateral surfaces of the head ofthe juvenile and a side guard space control device changing the spacebetween the aforementioned pair of side guards.

More preferably, the aforementioned head space control device includes apair of side guards for protecting the lateral surfaces of the head ofthe juvenile and a side guard attaching and/or detaching devicerendering the aforementioned pair of side guards attachable to and/ordetachable from the aforementioned juvenile safety car seat.

More preferably, the aforementioned head space control device includes ahead guard and a pair of side guards for protecting the head of thejuvenile, a coupling member for coupling the aforementioned head guardand the aforementioned pair of side guards with each other, and acoupling member vertical position control device for controlling thevertical position of the aforementioned coupling member with respect tothe head position of the juvenile.

More preferably, the aforementioned head space control device includes ahead protector arranged in a clearance defined between theaforementioned head space forming part of the aforementioned supportspace and the head of the juvenile for forming a head receiving space.

In the aforementioned aspect, the aforementioned capacity-variabledevice has a shoulder space control device changing the capacity of ashoulder region of the aforementioned support space in response togrowth of the shoulders of the juvenile.

Thus, it is possible to protect the shoulders of the juvenile with acapacity responsive to growth of the juvenile. Consequently, thejuvenile safety car seat can be improved in comfortability and safenessfor the shoulders of the juvenile.

In order to implement the aforementioned aspect in a more preferablestate, the following structures are employed:

More preferably, the aforementioned shoulder space control deviceincludes a safety belt having a shoulder belt located on the shoulder ofthe juvenile and a shoulder belt vertical position control device forcontrolling the vertical position of the aforementioned shoulder beltwith respect to the shoulder position of the juvenile.

More preferably, the aforementioned shoulder space control deviceincludes a safety belt having a shoulder belt located on the shoulder ofthe juvenile and a shoulder belt width position control device forcontrolling the position of the shoulder belt in the width directionwith respect to the shoulder position of the juvenile.

More preferably, the aforementioned shoulder space control deviceincludes a safety belt having a shoulder belt located on the shoulder ofthe juvenile and a shoulder belt inclination control device forcontrolling inclination of the aforementioned shoulder belt with respectto the shoulder position of the juvenile.

More preferably, the aforementioned shoulder space control deviceincludes a shoulder protector arranged in a clearance defined betweenthe aforementioned shoulder region of the aforementioned support spaceand the shoulder of the juvenile for forming a shoulder receiving space.

In the aforementioned aspect, the aforementioned capacity-variabledevice preferably has an abdominal space control device changing thecapacity of an abdominal region of the aforementioned support space inresponse to growth of the abdominal region of the juvenile.

Thus, it is possible to protect the abdominal region of the child with acapacity responsive to growth of the juvenile. Consequently, the presentchild safety car seat is improved in comfortability and safety for theabdominal region of the juvenile.

In order to implement the aforementioned aspect in a more preferablestate, the following structures are employed:

More preferably, the abdominal space control device includes a safetybelt having a crotch belt located on the crotch of the juvenile and acrotch belt horizontal position control device for controlling thehorizontal position of the aforementioned crotch belt with respect tothe abdominal position of the juvenile.

More preferably, the abdominal space control device includes a safetybelt having a crotch belt located on the crotch of the juvenile and acrotch belt vertical position control device for controlling thevertical position of the aforementioned crotch belt with respect to theabdominal position of the juvenile.

More preferably, the aforementioned abdominal space control deviceincludes a safety belt having a crotch belt located on the crotch of thejuvenile and a crotch belt inclination control device for controllinginclination-of the aforementioned crotch belt with respect to theabdominal position of the juvenile.

More preferably, the aforementioned abdominal space control deviceincludes an abdominal protector arranged in a clearance defined betweenthe aforementioned abdominal region of the aforementioned support spaceand the abdomen of the juvenile for forming an abdomen receiving space.

More preferably, the aforementioned abdominal space control deviceincludes a crotch belt protector attached to the aforementioned crotchbelt to fill up a clearance between the crotch of the juvenile and theaforementioned crotch belt.

In the aforementioned aspect, the capacity-variable device preferablyhas a leg space control device changing the capacity of a leg region ofthe aforementioned support space in response to growth of the legs ofthe juvenile.

Thus, it is possible to protect the legs of the juvenile with a capacityresponsive to growth of the juvenile. Consequently, the present childsafety car seat is improved in comfortability and safeness for the legsof the juvenile.

In order to implement the aforementioned aspect in a more preferablestate, the following structures are employed:

More preferably, the aforementioned leg space control device includes afootrest step located under the feet of the juvenile and a footrest,located under the legs of the juvenile, provided to be horizontallyslidable.

More preferably, the aforementioned leg space control device includes aleg protector arranged in a clearance defined between the aforementionedleg region of the aforementioned support space and the legs of thejuvenile for forming a leg receiving space.

A juvenile safety car seat according to another aspect of the presentinvention, which is fixed to a seat of a car with a seat belt providedon the seat of the car, comprises a seat body receiving the juvenile, abase supporting the aforementioned seat body from below to be rotatableand backwardly inclinable, a rotational position locking device lockingthe aforementioned seat body to a rotational position with respect tothe aforementioned base, a backward inclination angle locking devicelocking the aforementioned seat body at an angle of backward inclinationwith respect to the aforementioned base, and a locking release devicesupported by the aforementioned base to simultaneously release the seatbody from locking by the aforementioned rotational position lockingdevice and locking by the aforementioned backward inclination anglelocking device.

Thus, the rotational position locking device and the backwardinclination angle locking device can be handled with the single lockingrelease device. The position of the locking release device, which isprovided on the seat body, remains unchanged after the juvenile safetycar seat is attached to the seat of the car. Consequently, handleabilityof the rotational position locking device and the backward inclinationangle locking device has been improved.

In order to implement the aforementioned aspect in a more preferablestate, the following structure is employed:

More preferably, the aforementioned seat body has a seat portion, abackrest portion and a seat portion angle control device changing theangle formed by the aforementioned seat portion and the aforementionedbackrest portion in response to change of the angle of backwardinclination.

Thus, it is possible to eliminate pressure against the abdomen of thechild. Consequently, the present child safety car seat has been mademore comfortable.

A juvenile safety car seat according to still another aspect of thepresent invention, which is fixed to a seat of a car with a seat beltprovided on the seat of the car, comprises an attachment angle controldevice for controlling the angle of attachment of the aforementionedjuvenile safety car seat with respect to the aforementioned seat of thecar.

Thus, it is possible to attach the present child safety car seat to theseat of the car at a proper attachment angle regardless of the shape ofthe seat of the car. Consequently, the present child safety car seat hasbeen made more comfortable.

In order to implement the aforementioned aspect in a more preferablestate, the following structure is employed:

More preferably, the aforementioned child safety car seat has a seatbody supporting a child and a base supporting the aforementioned seatbody, and the aforementioned attachment angle control device is providedon a bottom surface portion of the aforementioned base with a leg memberprojectable and stowable with respect to the aforementioned bottomsurface portion in order to control inclination with respect to theaforementioned seat of the car.

A protector according to a further aspect of the present invention isemployed for a child-care instrument having a support space forreceiving a juvenile whose body is in the process of growth, and theaforementioned protector forms a receiving space for filling up aclearance defined between the aforementioned support space and the childwhile rendering the capacity of the aforementioned receiving spacevariable in response to the child's growth.

Thus, it is possible to protect the juvenile with a capacity responsiveto growth of its body. Consequently, the child-care instrument employingthis protector has been made more comfortable and safer for the entirebody of the child.

In the aforementioned aspect, the protector preferably includes a headprotector protecting the head of the child.

Thus, it is possible to protect the head of the child with a capacityresponsive to the child's growth. Consequently, the child-careinstrument employing the protector has been improved and made safer forthe child's head.

In order to implement the aforementioned aspect in a more preferablestate, the following structures are employed:

More preferably, the aforementioned head protector includes a pair ofhead side wall portions protecting the temporal regions of the child anda head side wall space control device for controlling the space betweenthe pair of head side wall portions.

More preferably, the aforementioned head protector includes an innerhead protector and an outer head protector arranged to doubly enclosethe temporal regions and the parietal region of the child. Furtherpreferably, the aforementioned inner head protector is so provided thatthe position of the inner head protector is vertically controllable withrespect to the aforementioned outer head protector.

In the aforementioned aspect, the aforementioned protector preferablyincludes a shoulder protector protecting the shoulder region of thechild.

Thus, it is possible to protect the shoulder region of the child with acapacity responsive to growth of the child. Consequently, the child-careinstrument employing the protector has been improved to be morecomfortable and safer for the shoulder region of the child.

In order to implement the aforementioned aspect in a more preferablestate, the following structure is employed:

More preferably, the aforementioned shoulder protector includes ashoulder side wall portion protecting the lateral surfaces of theshoulder of the neonate or the infant and a shoulder side wall positioncontrol device for controlling the vertical position of the shoulderside wall portion.

In the aforementioned aspect, the aforementioned protector preferablyincludes an abdominal protector protecting the abdominal region of thechild.

In order to implement the aforementioned aspect in a more preferablestate, the following structure is employed:

More preferably, the aforementioned abdominal protector includes acrotch protector protecting the crotch region of the child.

In the aforementioned aspect, the aforementioned protector preferablyincludes a leg protector for protecting the child's legs with comfortand safety during the child's growth.

In the aforementioned aspect, the aforementioned protector preferablyincludes an upper protector protecting the head region and the shoulderregion of the child, and a lower protector protecting the abdominalregion and the leg region, and at least either the aforementioned upperprotector or the aforementioned lower protector includes a lengthcontrol device for controlling the length as the child grows taller.

Thus, it is possible to protect the child with a capacity responsive togrowth. Consequently, the child-care instrument employing the protectorhas been made more comfortable and safer.

A protector for a child-care instrument according to a further aspect ofthe present invention, consisting of a flexible material, is arranged ina juvenile receiving space of the child-care instrument, and comprisesan upper protector enclosing the upper half of the body of a juvenile, alower protector enclosing the lower half of the child's body, and a headprotector arranged inside the upper protector for enclosing the head ofthe child, whereby the head, particularly the brain, is well protectedin a way comfortable for the growing child.

In order to implement the aforementioned aspect in a more preferablestate, the following structures are employed:

More preferably, the protector further comprises a coupling device fordetachably coupling the aforementioned upper protector and theaforementioned lower protector with each other.

More preferably, the protector further comprises a coupling device fordetachably coupling the aforementioned head protector to theaforementioned upper protector.

A child-care instrument according to a further aspect of the presentinvention has a space supporting a baby, and the aforementioned space isprovided to be capable of selecting a neonatal bed mode suitable as ahabitat of a baby in a neonatal period, an infantile bed mode suitableto the habits of a baby in infancy, and a child seat mode suitable forthe habits of a baby in childhood.

According to the aforementioned child-care instrument, it is possible toapply a bed mode or a seat mode most suitable for the baby on the basisof medical criteria for a baby in a neonatal period, infancy orchildhood whose brain is in a developmental stage in particular, forprotecting the brain, the neck and respiration of the baby in a properstate.

In the aforementioned aspect, the child-care instrument preferably has aprotector for properly filling up a clearance defined between theaforementioned space and the baby by changing the mode in response togrowth of the baby in a neonatal period or infancy in a state used inthe aforementioned neonatal bed mode or the aforementioned infantile bedmode.

The aforementioned protector is integrally provided with a first headprotector protecting the head of the baby from below, a second headprotector protecting the head of the baby from the parietal side and thelateral surface sides, a first body protector supporting the body of thebaby from below, and second body protectors, supporting the body of thebaby from the lateral sides, provided in a pair on both sides of thefirst body protector.

More preferably, the child-care instrument is provided to be capable ofcoupling lower end portions of the second body protectors located onboth sides and a lower end portion of the first body protector bybending the lower end portion of the first body protector upward.

Thus, when employing the protectors integrally provided to enclose thebaby, it is possible to properly support the baby in response to itsgrowth by displacing the position for supporting the baby.

More preferably, the child-care instrument further has a head pad forfilling up a clearance between the first head protector and the head ofthe baby in order to protect the head of the baby.

Thus, it is possible to reliably protect the brain and the neck of thebaby in a neonatal period, infancy or childhood whose brain is in adevelopmental stage.

More preferably, the aforementioned head pad has a sunshade forshielding the baby against exposure to light. Thus, it is possible toprotect a baby in a neonatal period particularly sensitive to photicstimulation in a proper state.

More preferably, at least a region of the aforementioned head pad cominginto contact with the baby is prepared from a material feelingapproximate to the mother's breast. Thus, the baby can be put at ease.

More preferably, the child-care instrument further comprises a lumbarpad detachably provided inside the aforementioned second body protectorsfor covering the lumbar region of the baby. Thus, it is possible toprotect the baby whose lumbar region is in a developmental stage in aproper state.

More preferably, at least a region of the aforementioned lumbar padcoming into contact with the baby is prepared from a material feelingapproximate to the mother's breast. Thus, the baby can be put at ease.

More preferably, the child-care instrument further comprises a leg coverdetachably provided on the protector for covering a portion close to thelegs of the baby from above. Thus, it is possible to prevent the babyfrom chilling due to cold air from an air conditioner, for example.

More preferably, at least a region of the aforementioned leg covercoming into contact with the baby is prepared from a material feelingapproximate to the mother's breast. Thus, the baby can be put at ease.

More preferably, the child-care instrument further comprises a pair ofbody covers provided on both sides of the body of the baby for coveringthe body from above. Thus, the baby can be wrapped and put at ease.Further, it is possible to prevent the baby from chilling due to coldair from an air conditioner, for example.

More preferably, the child-care instrument further has a fixing devicefor opening the aforementioned pair of body covers outward andtemporarily fixing the pair of body covers in the open states. Thus,when employing this child-care instrument as a juvenile safety car seat,it is possible to hold a safety belt provided on the juvenile safety carseat on both sides with the body covers, whereby the baby can besmoothly put on/out of the juvenile safety car seat with no hindrance bythe safety belt.

More preferably, at least regions of the aforementioned pair of bodycovers coming into contact with the baby are prepared from a materialfeeding approximate to the mother's breast. Thus, the baby can be put atease.

More preferably, at least regions of the aforementioned pair of bodycovers coming into contact with the baby are prepared from a materialfeeling approximate to the mother's breast. Thus, the baby can be put atease.

A bed for a neonate according to a further aspect of the presentinvention, having a support space suitable to the habitus of a baby in aneonatal period, has a protector for properly filling up a clearancedefined between the aforementioned support space and the baby.

According to the aforementioned bed for a newborn, it is possible toapply a bed mode most suitable for a baby in a neonatal period on thebasis of medical criteria for a baby in a neonatal period whose brain isin a developmental stage in particular, for protecting the brain, theneck and respiration of the newborn baby.

Preferably, the aforementioned bed for a neonate further has a head padfor filling up a clearance between the bed and the head of the baby inorder to protect the head of the baby in a neonatal period.

Thus, it is possible to protect the head of the baby in a neonatalperiod by a double structure of at least the protector and the head pad,and the brain and the neck of the baby in a neonatal period whose brainis in a developmental stage can be protected in a proper state.

More preferably, the aforementioned head pad has a sunshade forshielding the baby against exposure to light. Thus, it is possible toprotect the baby in a neonatal period particularly sensitive to photicstimulation in a proper state.

More preferably, at least a region of the aforementioned head pad cominginto contact with the baby is prepared from a material feelingapproximate to the mother's breast. Thus, the baby can be put at ease.

More preferably, the bed for a neonate has a sunshade for shielding thebaby against exposure to light. Thus, it is possible to protect the babyin a neonatal period particularly sensitive to photic stimulation in aproper state.

More preferably, at least a region of the aforementioned protectorcoming into contact with the baby is prepared from a material feelingapproximate to the mother's breast. Thus, the baby can be put at ease.

More preferably, the bed for a neonate further comprises a lumbar padfor filling up a clearance between the aforementioned bed for a neonateand the lumbar region of the baby. Thus, it is possible to protect thebaby whose lumbar region is in a developmental stage in a proper state.

More preferably, at least a region of the aforementioned lumbar padcoming into contact with the baby is prepared from a material feelingapproximate to the mother's breast. Thus, the baby can be put at ease.

More preferably, the bed for a neonate further comprises a leg cover forcovering a portion close to the legs of the baby from above. Thus, it ispossible to protect the baby against a cold air chilling effect from anair conditioner, for example.

More preferably, at least a region of the aforementioned leg covercoming into contact with the baby is prepared from a material feelingapproximate to the mother's breast. Thus, the baby can be put at ease.

More preferably, the bed for a neonate further comprises a pair of bodycovers provided on both sides of the body of the baby for covering thebody from above. Thus, the baby can be wrapped and put at ease. Further,it is possible to protect the baby against a cold air chilling effectfrom an air conditioner, for example.

More preferably, at least regions of the aforementioned pair of bodycovers coming into contact with the baby are prepared from a materialfeeling approximate to the mother's breast. Thus, the baby can be put atease.

The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of thepresent invention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of the present invention when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a model diagram showing the concept of a support space of ajuvenile or child safety car seat;

FIG. 2 is a total perspective view showing the structure of a juvenilesafety car seat according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 3 to 8 are first to sixth diagrams showing the structure of aheadrest vertical mover 100;

FIGS. 9 to 13 are first to fifth diagrams showing the structure of ashoulder belt position controller 200;

FIGS. 14 to 17 are first to fourth diagrams showing the structure of asleeping support position controller 300;

FIGS. 18 to 20 are first to third diagrams showing the structure of acrotch belt position controller 400;

FIGS. 21 and 22 are first and second diagrams showing the structure of afootrest step position controller 500;

FIGS. 23 to 26 are first to fourth diagrams showing the structures of arotator 600, a backward incliner 700 and a mover 800;

FIG. 27 to 29 are first to third diagrams showing the structure of astand 900;

FIG. 30 is a total perspective view showing a first mode of a childsafety car seat according to a second embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 31 is a total perspective view showing a second mode of thejuvenile safety car seat according to the second embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 32 is a total perspective view showing the juvenile safety car seataccording to the second embodiment of the present invention, to which aprotector is attached;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing a neonatal bed mode, suitable tothe habits or growth of a baby in a neonatal period, of the child safetycar seat to which the protector is attached;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view showing an infantile bed mode, suitable tothe habitus of an infantile baby, of the juvenile safety car seat towhich the protector is attached;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing a child seat mode, suitable to thehabits of a baby in childhood, of the juvenile safety car seat to whichthe protector is attached

FIG. 36 is a plan view showing the structure of an inner head protector950 according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 37 is a plan view showing the structure of an outer head protector960 according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 38 is a plan view showing the structure of a body protector 970according to the second embodiment;

FIGS. 39 to 41 are first to third perspective views showing attachmentof the body protector 970 to a juvenile safety car seat 2000 accordingto the second embodiment;

FIGS. 42 to 44 are first to third perspective views showing attachmentof the inner head protector 950 to the outer head protector 960 in thesecond embodiment;

FIGS. 45 and 46 are first and second perspective views showingconnection of the outer head protector 960 and the body protector 970 inthe second embodiment;

FIG. 47 is a perspective view showing attachment of a crotch belt 16 toa crotch protector 990 in the second embodiment;

FIGS. 48 to 50 are first to third perspective views showing the overallstructure of a protector 3000 according to a third embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 51 is a perspective view showing the structure of a second head pad5000;

FIG. 52 is a sectional view taken along the line LII—LII in FIG. 51;

FIG. 53 is a perspective view showing a protector 3000 according to thethird embodiment provided with lumbar pads 6001 and 6002;

FIG. 54 is a sectional view taken along the line LIV—LIV in FIG. 53;

FIG. 55 is a perspective view showing the protector 3000 according tothe third embodiment provided with a leg cover 7000;

FIG. 56 is a perspective view showing the protector 3000 according tothe third embodiment provided with body covers 8001 and 8002;

FIGS. 57 and 58 are sectional views, taken along the line LVII—LVII inFIG. 56, showing first and second used states; and

FIG. 59 is a sectional view, taken along the line X-X′ in FIG. 56,showing a further embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in FIG. 1, a newborn baby grows into an infant, a child and aschoolchild, and its habits change. For example, the shape of the head,the breadth of the shoulders, the lumbar size, the length of the legsand the like grow. Therefore, a child safety car seat must totallychange the capacity of a support space for receiving a growing child.Thus, it is possible to regularly provide an optimum space responsive tothe habits of the child for improving safeness.

The internal space of a juvenile safety car seat 1 can be classifiedinto a head space 1A, a shoulder space 1B, an abdominal space 1C and aleg space 1D in response to the portions of the body of the juvenile.Therefore, it is possible to totally change the capacity of the supportspace by implementing a structure rendering the capacity of each spacevariable.

The structure of a juvenile safety car seat according to each embodimentof the present invention employing means for changing the capacity ofeach space is now described with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment

This embodiment is described with reference to a juvenile safety carseat 1000 having means capable of changing the capacity of a supportspace in the juvenile car seat 1000 itself.

The structure of the juvenile safety car seat 1000 according to thisembodiment is now described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 omitsillustration of a cushion member essentially required for the juvenilesafety car seat 1000, in order to clarify the structure of the juvenilesafety car seat 1000. A crotch belt 16 is covered with a cushion member402 including a bellows member, to be self-sustainable.

The juvenile safety car seat 1000 has a seat body 2 and a base 4supporting the seat body 2 to be rotatable and backwardly inclinable.The seat body 2 includes a backrest portion 6, a seat portion 8 and aheadrest 10.

The seat body 2 has a dome shape for serving both sides as side guardsand armrests, and the headrest 10 has a dome shape for serving both as ahead guard and side guards. A pair of sleeping supports 12 and 14 areattached to the headrest 10. The headrest 10 has a guard wall 10A risingfrom a plane of the headrest 10 at such an angle that the top of thehead of a child in the seat is at least partly covered, as seen in FIGS.2, 3 and 4.

A five-point safety belt for fixing a juvenile to the juvenile safetycar seat 1000 is provided on the backrest portion 6 and the seat portion8. This five-point safety belt has the crotch belt 16, located on thecrotch of the juvenile, having a buckle 17 on its upper portion, lumbarbelts 18 and 20, tongue plates 19 and 21 and shoulder belts 22 and 24.

The base 4 is provided with a footrest step 26 serving as a footrest anda control lever 28 for controlling rotation and backward inclination ofthe seat body 2, i.e., locking the seat body 2 on a rotational positionand a backwardly inclining position and releasing the same from thelocked states.

The juvenile safety car seat 1000 having the aforementioned structure isprovided with a headrest vertical mover 100, a shoulder belt positioncontroller 200, a sleeping support position controller 300, a crotchbelt position controller 400, a footrest step position controller 500and a mover 800, in order to change the capacity of a support space.

The headrest vertical mover 100 and the sleeping support positioncontroller 300 form head space control means, the shoulder belt positioncontroller 200 forms shoulder space control means, the crotch beltposition controller 400 forms abdominal space control means, and thefootrest step position controller 500 forms leg space control means. Themover 800 forms seat portion angle control means.

The juvenile safety car seat 1000 is further provided with a rotator 600and a backward incliner 700 in order to improve handleability, andprovided with a stand 900 in order to improve attachability.

The headrest vertical mover 100, the shoulder belt position controller200, the sleeping support position controller 300, the crotch beltposition controller 400, the footrest step position controller 500, therotator 600, the backward incliner 700, the mover 800 and the stand 900are now described with reference to the drawings.

Headrest Vertical Mover 100

The structure of the headrest vertical mover 100 is described withreference to FIGS. 3 and 4. The headrest 10 is provided to be verticallyslidable along headrest guide bars 102 and 104 provided on the seat body2. The headrest 10 is located most downward in FIG. 3 and most upward inFIG. 4 respectively.

Means for fixing the headrest 10 to the seat body 2 is now describedwith reference to FIGS. 5 to 8. FIG. 5 shows the headrest 10 fixed tothe seat body 2, FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line VI inFIG. 5, FIG. 7 shows the headrest 10 released from fixation to the seatbody 2, and FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line VIII in FIG.7.

The headrest 10 is provided with a plurality of locking holes 106 alongthe direction of movement thereof, and the seat body 2 is provided witha locking lever 108 having a locking pin 108 c inserted in any of thelocking holes 106.

The locking lever 108 has a lever body 108 a, a block 108 b inserted inthe lever body 108 a, the locking pin 108 c supported by the block 108b, a coil spring 108 d for supplying elastic force to the locking lever108, and a plate 108 e, supporting the coil spring 108 d, fixed to thelocking pin 108 c.

In a locked state, the locking pin 108 c is inserted in any locking hole106 due to the elastic force of the coil spring 108 d, as shown in FIGS.5 and 6. In a state released from locking, the locking lever 108 isrotated anticlockwise for pulling up the locking pin 108 c due to actionof spiral engaging irregularities (not shown) provided on the innerperipheral surface of the lever body 108 a and the outer peripheralsurface of the block 108 b.

Thus, it is possible to protect the head region of the juvenile with acapacity responsive to growth of the juvenile by rendering the headrest10 vertically movable with respect to the seat body 2. Consequently, thejuvenile safety car seat 1000 can be improved in comfortability andsafeness for the head region of the juvenile.

While the headrest 10 serves both as a head guard and side guards inthis embodiment, the headrest vertical mover 100 is also applicable to ahead guard and side guards having individual structures respectively.

Shoulder Belt Position Controller 200

The structure of the shoulder belt position controller 200 is describedwith reference to FIGS. 9 to 13. Referring to FIG. 9, circular holdingplates 208 and 210 having slits 208 a and 210 a for receiving theshoulder belts 22 and 24 are rotatably attached to shoulder belt controlarms 216 and 218 respectively in the shoulder belt position controller200. The shoulder belt control arms 216 and 218 are supported by ashoulder belt control pin 214 to be rotatable about the shoulder beltcontrol pin 214.

The shoulder belt control pin 214 is vertically slidable along ashoulder belt control guide hole 220 provided on the seat body 2. Theholding plates 208 and 210 are attached to the shoulder belt controlarms 216 and 218, and also movable along elongated sliding holes 204 and206 provided on the seat body 2.

Further, a vertical moving plate 202 is arranged on the front side ofthe seat body 2, and guide holes 202 a and 202 b provided on thevertical moving plate 202 hold the holding plates 208 and 210. The frontend of the shoulder belt control pin 214 is fixed to the vertical movingplate 202.

Therefore, the vertical moving plate 202 vertically moves in response tovertical movement of the shoulder belt control pin 214, so that theholding plates 208 and 210 vertically move along the sliding holes 204and 206. The holding plates 208 and 210 are located most downward inFIG. 9 and most upward in FIG. 10 respectively.

The holding plates 208 and 210 are at a space L1 and the slits 208 a and210 a are at an angle α1 when the holding plates 208 and 210 are locatedmost downward, while the holding plates 208 and 210 are at a space L2larger than the space L1 and the slits 208 a and 210 a are at an angleα2 smaller than the angle α1 when the holding plates 208 and 210 arelocated most upward.

Position fixing means for the holding plates 208 and 210 is nowdescribed with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13. FIG. 11 is a rearelevational view of the seat body 2, and FIG. 12 is a sectional viewtaken along the line XII in FIG. 11 showing the holding plates 208 and210 at fixed positions. FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along the lineXII in FIG. 11 showing the holding plates 208 and 210 released frompositional fixation.

As shown in FIG. 11, the shoulder belt control pin 214 is provided onits rear end with a shoulder belt control lever 212 for controlling thevertical positions of the holding plates 208 and 210, and the seat body2 is provided with shoulder belt control locking holes 222 along thedirection of movement thereof.

As shown in FIG. 12 in detail, the shoulder belt control lever 212 has alever body 212 a and a release button 212 b stored in the lever body 212a, and the shoulder belt control pin 214 is fixed to the release button212 b.

A coil spring 212 c is provided in the lever body 212 a, so that elasticforce can be supplied to the release button 212 b with a plate 212 d. Alocking pin 212 e is mounted on the outer surface of the lever body 212a, to be inserted into any shoulder belt control locking hole 222.

In a locked state, the elastic force of the coil spring 212 c acts in adirection for inserting the locking pin 212 e mounted on the lever body212 a into any shoulder belt control locking hole 222, as shown in FIG.12.

In a state released from locking, the lever body 212 a is pulled upagainst the elastic force of the coil spring 212 c, thereby pulling upthe locking pin 212 e from the shoulder belt control locking hole 222,as shown in FIG. 13.

Thus, it is possible to protect the shoulder region of the juvenile witha capacity responsive to growth of the juvenile by rendering thevertical positions of and the space between the holding plates 208 and210 and the angle of the slits 208 a and 210 a controllable.

While the vertical positions of and the space between the holding plates208 and 210 and the angle of the slits 208 a and 210 a can be controlledby a single device in this embodiment, structures having these functionsindependently of each other can also be employed.

Sleeping Support Position Controller 300

The structure of the sleeping support position controller 300 isdescribed with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17. Referring to FIG. 14, thesleeping support position controller 300 has bearings 302 and 304provided on the headrest 10 and shafts 306 and 308 provided on thesleeping supports 12 and 14.

The bearings 302 and 304 have substantially cylindrical shapes withfront open portions, and are provided with stoppers 302 a, 302 b, 304 aand 304 b for limiting rotation of the sleeping supports 12 and 14.

The shafts 306 and 308 also have substantially cylindrical shapes withopen portions receivable in the bearings 302 and 304, and are providedwith stoppers 306 a, 306 b, 308 a and 308 b for coming into contact withthe bearings 302 and 304.

The shafts 306 and 308 are supported by pins 310 and 312 to be rotatablewith respect to the bearings 302 and 304, and supported by elastic forceof coil springs 314 and 316 (see FIG. 3) inserted from above the pins310 and 312.

The space between the sleeping supports 12 and 14 is narrow in FIG. 14and widest in FIG. 15. FIGS. 14 and 15 are sectional views taken alongthe line XIV—XIV in FIG. 3.

Concave portions 318 provided on the lower surfaces of the shafts 306and 308 engage with convex portions 320 provided on the lower surfacesof the bearings 302 and 304 as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 and the coilsprings 314 and 316 inserted from above maintain this engaging statewith elastic force, thereby fixing the positions of the sleepingsupports 12 and 14.

FIG. 16 illustrates the shaft 306 and the sleeping support 12 in aninverted manner, in order to clearly illustrate the shapes of theconcave portions 318 provided on the lower surfaces of the shafts 306and 308.

Thus, it is possible to protect the head region of the juvenile with acapacity responsive to growth of the juvenile by rendering the spacebetween the sleeping supports 12 and 14 controllable.

In this embodiment, the sleeping supports 12 and 14 are fixed to theheadrest 10 and hence a function/effect similar to that in the case ofvertically moving the headrest 10 can be attained by vertically movingthe headrest 10. Alternatively, a structure independent of the headrest10 can be employed.

While the headrest 10 also serves as side guards and hence the sideguards are fixed in this embodiment, the function of side guards may beseparately added for applying the function of controlling the spacebetween the sleeping supports 12 to the side guards.

Crotch Belt Position Controller 400

The structure of the crotch belt position controller 400 is describedwith reference to FIGS. 18 to 20. Referring to FIG. 18, a fixing plate416 to which the crotch belt 16 is fixed is mounted on the seat portion8 provided on the seat body 2 in the crotch belt position controller400. The lower ends of the buckle 17 and the cushion member 402including the bellows member for rendering the crotch belt 16self-sustainable are fixed to a crotch belt position control plate 406with fixing pins 404.

A crotch belt position control lever 408 for controlling the horizontalposition of the crotch belt position control plate 406 and a crotch beltposition control locking lever 410 consisting an elastic member areprovided on the front side of the crotch belt position control plate406. The seat portion 8 provided on the seat body 2 has crotch beltposition control locking holes 412 along the horizontal direction. Thelower end of the crotch belt 16 is fixed to the fixing plate 416 throughan opening 418 provided on the crotch belt position control lever 408.

The buckle 17 is arranged in a position at a distance L1 closest to thebackrest portion 6 of the seat body 2 in FIG. 18, and arranged in aposition at a distance L2>L1 farthest from the backrest portion 6 of theseat body 2 in FIG. 19.

As shown in FIG. 20, the buckle 17 can be reduced in height with respectto the seat portion 8 and can incline frontward when the same is closestto the backrest portion 6 by selecting the length of the crotch belt 16.

Thus, it is possible to protect the abdominal region of the juvenilewith a capacity responsive to growth of the juvenile by rendering thehorizontal position of the crotch belt 16 having the buckle 17controllable. Consequently, the juvenile safety car seat 1000 can beimproved in comfortability and safeness for the abdominal region of thejuvenile.

Footrest Step Position Controller 500

The structure of the footrest step position controller 500 is describedwith reference to FIGS. 21 and 22. Referring to FIG. 21, the footreststep 26 is provided with a guide bar 501 for rendering the footrest step26 frontwardly slidable, and a stopper 502 is provided on the rear endof the guide bar 501.

The footrest step 26 is located closest to the base 4 in FIG. 21, andmost drawn out from the base 4 in FIG. 22.

Thus, it is possible to protect the leg region of the juvenile with acapacity responsive to growth of the juvenile by rendering the footreststep 26 drawable from the base 4.

Rotator 600, Backward Incliner 700 and Mover 800

The structures of the rotator 600 and the backward incliner 700 arefirst described with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24. The rotator 600 has alocking and locking release mechanism including a control lever 602arranged on the front side of the base 4, a locking button 604 forcontrolling a locked state of the control lever 602, a coil spring 606for supplying vertical elastic force to the locking button 604, alocking plate 608, coupled to the rear end of the control lever 602,having a slit 608 a, a locking pin 610 having a concave portion 610 aguided into the slit 608 a, and a plurality of locking holes 618provided on the front and rear portions of the seat body 2 for receivingthe locking pin 610 thereby limiting positions of rotation and backwardinclination of the seat body 2 with respect to the base 4.

The base 4 is provided with a spherical concave region 612 limitingpositions of rotation and backward inclination with respect to the seatbody 2, so that a spherical convex region 614 provided on the seat body2 engages with the concave region 612 and the seat body 2 rotates withrespect to the base 4 about a rotation pin 620. The seat body 2 inclineswith respect to the base 4 within the range of a guide hole 616 providedon the seat body 2.

The locking holes 618 are provided on a meridian horizontally extendingthrough the rotation pin 620 of the spherical convex region 614. Thelocking pin 610 is arranged on a position of the spherical concaveregion 612 corresponding to the aforementioned meridian.

In order to release the seat body 2 from the positions of rotation andbackward inclination with respect to the base 4 by the aforementionedlocking and locking release mechanism, the control lever 602 is drawnout frontward while pressing the locking button 604 downward as shown inFIG. 24, so that the locking pin 610 obliquely moves downward. Thus, thelocking pin 610 is disengaged from any locking hole 618.

Thus, the spherical convex region 614 provided on the seat body 2engages with the concave region 612 provided on the base 4 while thelocking pin 610 and the locking holes 618 are arranged on positionscorresponding to the common meridian, thereby enabling implementation ofthe rotator 600 and the backward incliner 700 on the basis of a singlelocking mechanism. The seat body 2 is most upright with respect to thebase 4 in FIG. 23, most inclined with respect to the base 4 in FIG. 25,and rotated by 180° with respect to the base 4 in FIG. 26.

The structure of the mover 800 is now described with reference to FIG.23. The mover 800 has a support plate 804 provided on the seat body 2and a coupling plate 802 coupling the support plate 804 with the seatportion 8.

The coupling plate 802 is rotatably coupled with the seat portion 8 onthe one end with a pin 806, and rotatably coupled with the support plate804 on another end with a pin 808. The seat portion 8 is coupled to thesupport plate 804 on its rear end with a rotary shaft 810.

The mover 800 can be implemented by the aforementioned structure. Whenthe seat body 2 is most upright with respect to the base 4, the backrestportion 6 and the seat portion 8 form an angle α1 as shown in FIG. 23.When the seat body 2 is most inclined with respect to the base 4, thebackrest portion 6 and the seat portion 8 form an angle α2 larger thanthe angle α1, as shown in FIG. 25.

Thus, the single control lever 602 controls operations of the rotator600 and the backward incliner 700 and this control lever 602 is providedon the base 4, so that the position of the juvenile safety car seat 1000remains unchanged after the same is attached to the seat of the car.Further, it is possible to eliminate pressure against the abdomen of thejuvenile with the mover 800.

Stand 900

The structure of the stand 900 is described with reference to FIGS. 27and 28. The stand 900 forms attachment angle control means forcontrolling the angle of attachment of the juvenile safety car seat1000.

A fitting stand 902 is provided on the rear side of the bottom surfaceof the base 4 as a leg member projectable and stowable with respect tothe bottom surface, in order to control inclination with respect to theseat of the car. The fitting stand 902 is projectable and stowable abouta rotation axis 904. The fitting stand 902 is stowed in FIG. 27 andprojects in FIG. 28.

As shown in FIG. 29, the fitting stand 902 has a concave shape 906 witha concave center. Thus, it is possible to attach the juvenile safety carseat 1000 to the seat of the car at a proper angle regardless of theshape (bucket type central rear seat) of the seat of the car.

Second Embodiment

This embodiment is described with reference to a juvenile safety carseat 2000 forming a receiving space by filling up a clearance between asupport space defined by the juvenile safety car seat 2000 and ajuvenile while rendering the capacity of the aforementioned receivingspace variable in response to growth of the juvenile.

The structure of the juvenile safety car seat 2000 according to thesecond embodiment is schematically described with reference to FIGS. 30and 31. The juvenile safety car seat 2000 has a structure allowingselection of a bed state shown in FIG. 30 and a seat state shown in FIG.31 in response to physical growth of the juvenile.

More specifically, the juvenile safety car seat 2000 includes a seatbody 2 and a base 4 supporting the seat body 2 to be rotatable andbackwardly inclinable. The seat body 2 includes a backrest portion 6, aseat portion 8 and a headrest 10. The seat body 2 further includes sideguards 2 a and 2 b, and the seat portion 8 includes armrests 8 a and 8b.

Sleeping supports 12 and 14 slidable along and detachable from the sideguards 2 a and 2 b are mounted on the side guards 2 a and 2 b.

A five-point safety belt for fixing the juvenile to the juvenile safetycar seat 2000 is provided on the backrest portion 6 and the seat portion8. This five-point safety belt has a crotch belt 16, located on thecrotch of the juvenile, having a buckle 17 on its upper portion, lumbarbelts 18 and 20, tongue plates 19 and 21 and shoulder belts 22 and 24.

The shoulder belts 22 and 24 are provided with a shoulder belt cover 25for supporting the juvenile in a more preferable state. The backrestportion 6 is provided with shoulder belt receiving holes 6 a forcontrolling the vertical positions of the shoulder belts 22 and 24 withrespect to the juvenile.

The base 4 is provided with a footrest step 26 and a control lever 28for controlling rotation and backward inclination of the seat body 2.

The importance of the juvenile safety car seat 2000 allowing selectionof the aforementioned bed state is now described.

A baby, who is sometimes misidentified as a miniature adult, has stillimmature functions for existence, and hence improper sitting of the babymay result in a serious after effect. For example, the head of the baby,which is relatively heavy and supported by the weak cervical muscle, isweaker against a shock in a traffic accident or the like as comparedwith the remaining body parts.

Further, the cranial bone protecting the brain and the cerebral bloodvessel of the baby are still insufficient in structure and function. Forexample, a baby under the age of one, particularly at the age of aboutsix months, held in arms can be lightly handled. If the baby is stronglyshaken back and forth, however, this may sometimes result in cerebralhemorrhage followed by an after effect or death of the baby.

In addition, it is important not to prevent the baby's abdominalrespiration. Further, the nose of the baby is readily stuffed up, and ifthe baby is laid prone or in a position pressing the abdomen, there is apossibility of anoxia. In this case, abrupt cardiac arrest may result.

Thus, it is important to lay the baby before the age of six months onits back not to press its abdomen. Further, it can be said preferablethat an actively moving baby over the age of six months is also laid onits back since the aforementioned physiological properties still remain.

In sufficient consideration of the aforementioned physiologicalproperties of the baby, therefore, the juvenile safety car seat 2000,i.e., a child seat, allows selection of the aforementioned bed state inorder to protect the baby in a car in the true sense and protect thebrain, the neck and respiration of the baby.

The construction of child safety seats must take into account thedevelopmental stages of the child during the first year after birth.These stages or periods include a newborn period, an infancy period anda childhood period. The changing characteristics of the child definethese periods as follows. During the newborn period the child's weightis normally at least 2.5 kg.

The average daily sleeping hours are about 18 to 22 h.

The head is unsteady and the neck is still unfixed.

The lumbar region is also unsteady.

The head is heavy, the weight of the brain is 400 g, and its size isabout one quarter of the grown size.

The cranial bone is thin and soft.

The blood vessels are so weak that a strong vibration readily results inintracerebral hemorrhage.

Respiratory obstruction may result depending on the body position.

Abdominal respiration takes place through a swollen abdomen.

The baby is sensitive to sonic, photic or vibratory stimulation.

The hip joint is readily dislocated.

The baby remarkably grows in height and weight.

The baby of the aforementioned newborn period is laid on a flat bedsupporting its neck straight, allowing easy respiration and pressing theabdomen with a neonatal pad employing a cushion structure must beavoided while protecting the body, particularly the head of the babyagainst vibration caused by a collision. As shown in FIG. 33, therefore,it is preferable to use the child safety car seat 2000 on a rear seat1000 of a car in the bed state perpendicularly to the travelingdirection.

The infancy period covers the age of two, three or more months when theweight is at least 5.5 kg.

The average daily sleeping hours are about 16 to 20 h.

The lumbar region is still unsteady.

The specific gravity of the head is still large as compared with theweight.

The cranial bone is still thin and soft.

The blood vessels are so weak that strong vibration readily results inintracerebral hemorrhage

Abdominal respiration takes place through a swollen abdomen.

The baby gradually feels comfort or discomfort in response tovibrations.

The baby remarkably grows in height and weight.

The baby in infancy is laid on a flat bed protecting the heavy head ofthe baby against strong vibrations upon collision while avoiding topress the abdomen, with an infant pad employing a cushion structure forprotecting the head and the body of the baby against strong vibrations.The required protection must take into account the growth of the baby.As shown in FIG. 34, therefore, it is preferable to use the child safetycar seat 2000 on the rear seat 1000 of the car in the bed stateperpendicularly to the traveling direction.

The childhood covers the age of six, seven or more months when thechild's weight is at least 7.0 kg, but less than 10.0 kg.

The average daily sleeping hours are about 12 to 13 h.

The specific gravity of the head is still large as compared with theweight.

The cranial bone and the blood vessels are still weak as compared withan adult.

The baby actively moves the body and likes to move its limbs withoutrestrictions.

The baby further feels comfort or discomfort in response to vibrations.

The baby starts to feel interested in outside scenes.

The cranial bone and the blood vessels of the baby in childhood having astable lumbar region are still immature, and hence it is preferable touse a baby bed as long as possible. Also when using the juvenile safetycar seat 2000 as a child seat, it is preferable to use the juvenilesafety car seat 2000 on the rear seat 1000 of the car backward againstthe traveling direction, as shown in FIG. 35.

In consideration of the above, the juvenile safety car seat 2000according to this embodiment is provided with a protector consisting ofa flexible material, which is arranged between the support space definedby the juvenile safety car seat 2000 and the juvenile for forming areceiving space while rendering the capacity of the receiving spacevariable in response to growth of the juvenile and supporting thejuvenile in a comfortable and safe state, as shown in FIG. 32.

This protector is constructed for a child, particularly a newborn babyor an infant, and has an inner head protector 950 for protecting thebrain, the neck and respiration of the child, an outer head protector960 for protecting a head space and a shoulder space, and a bodyprotector 970 for protecting the shoulder space, an abdominal space anda leg space in particular.

As shown in FIG. 36, the inner head protector 950 has a bottom innerhead protector 952, a side inner head protector 954 provided to coverthe bottom inner head protector 952 and attachment belts 956 forattaching the inner head protector 950 to the outer head protector 960.

As shown in FIG. 37, the outer head protector 960 has a bottom outerhead protector 962, an upper outer head protector 964 and side outerhead protectors 966. A plurality of hook members 968 are provided in thevicinity of front end portions of the bottom outer head protector 962and on the back surfaces of the side outer head protectors 966, forcontrolling the height of the side outer head protectors 966 andcoupling the outer head protector 960 with the body protector 970.

As shown in FIG. 38, the body protector 970 has a bottom body protector972, a back body protector 974, an opening 976 for receiving the crotchbelt 16, side body protectors 978 and control belts 980. The back bodyprotector 974 is provided with a plurality of slits 974 a for openingthe shoulder belt receiving holes 6 a provided on the backrest portion6.

A plurality of hook members 982 are provided in the vicinity of acoupling portion between the bottom body protector 972 and the back bodyprotector 974 and on the control belts 980, for fixing the bodyprotector 970 to the seat portion 8 and coupling the body protector 970with the outer head protector 960. Further, an attachment belt 984 isprovided on the back surface of the bottom body protector 972, forfixing the body protector 970 to the seat portion 8.

Attachment of the inner head protector 950, the outer head protector 960and the body protector 970 having the aforementioned structures to thejuvenile safety car seat 2000 is now described with reference to FIGS.39 to 46.

In order to attach the body protector 970 to the juvenile safety carseat 2000, the crotch belt 16 is passed through the opening 976 andthereafter the control belts 980 are arranged around the lumbar belts 18and 20 and positioned by the hook members 982, as shown in FIGS. 39 to41. The attachment belt 984 provided on the back surface of the bottombody protector 972 is hung on the seat portion 8.

The inner head protector 950 is fixed to the outer head protector 960with the attachment belts 956, as shown in FIGS. 42 and 43.

As shown in FIG. 44, the space between and the height of the side outerhead protectors 966 are previously controlled through the hook members968 as shown in FIG. 44, so that the outer head protector 960 fits thehabitus of the juvenile. In order to attach the outer head protector960, the hook members 968 and 982 provided on the side outer headprotectors 966 and the control belts 980 of the body protector 970respectively are coupled with each other to come to positions responsiveto the height of the juvenile, as shown in FIGS. 45 and 46.

At this time, the position of the body protector 970 is so controlledthat the positions of the slits 974 a provided on the back bodyprotector 974 align with those of the shoulder belt receiving holes 6 a,as shown in FIG. 45.

As shown in FIG. 47, a crotch protector 990 may be attached to thecrotch belt 16 with hook members 992 provided thereon for controllingthe distance between the crotch of the juvenile and the crotch belt 16at need.

While all of the inner protector 950, the outer head protector 960 andthe body protector 970 are attached to the juvenile safety car seat 2000in FIG. 32, these protectors may be properly selected and used asneeded.

When employing the aforementioned protectors 950, 960 and 970,therefore, it is possible to select four guard modes, i.e., a quadrupleguard with the side guards 2 a and 2 b, the sleeping supports 12 and 14,the outer head protector 960 and the inner head protector 950, a tripleguard with the side guards 2 a and 2 b, the sleeping supports 12 and 14and the outer head protector 960, a double guard with the side guards 2a and 2 b and the sleeping supports 12 and 14 and a single guard withonly the side guards 2 a and 2 b in an upper space region including thehead space region and the shoulder space region for the juvenile.

In particular, the quadruple guard provides a remarkably importantprotection for a newborn child or an infant whose brain and neck arestill insufficiently developed.

In a lower space region including the abdominal space region and the legspace region for the juvenile, it is possible to select two guard modes,i.e., a double guard with the armrests 8 a and 8 b and the bodyprotector 970 and a single guard with only the armrests 8 a and 8 b.

Thus, it is possible to protect the head space region, the shoulderspace region, the abdominal space region and the leg space regionenclosing the juvenile with a capacity responsive to growth of thejuvenile. Consequently, the juvenile safety car seat 2000 employing theprotectors 950, 960 and 970 can implement states most suitable to thethree growth stages requiring particular features for protecting a babyand can be improved in comfortability and safeness for the juvenile byproperly changing the modes of the inner head protector 950, the outerhead protector 960 and the body protector 970.

Third Embodiment

The structure of a protector 3000 according to a third embodiment of thepresent invention is now described with reference to FIGS. 48 to 59.

The structure of the protector 3000 is now described with reference toFIG. 48. The protector 3000, employed along with the juvenile safety carseat 2000, is provided to allow selection of a neonatal bed modesuitable for a newborn baby, or an infant or a child.

This protector 3000 has a function for properly filling up a clearancedefined between a space and a neonatal or infantile baby by changing themode in response to growth of the baby in a state used in the neonatalbed mode or the infantile bed mode in particular.

More specifically, the protector 3000 is integrally provided with afirst head protector 3002 protecting the head of the baby from below, asecond head protector 3005 protecting the head of the baby from aboveand from both sides, a first body protector 3001 supporting the body ofthe baby from below, and a pair of second body protectors, provided onboth sides of the first body protector 3001, supporting the body of thebaby from both sides.

According to this embodiment, the second body protectors include uppersecond body protectors 3006 and 3007 and lower second body protectors3008 and 3009.

Openings SL3, SL4 and SL5 for attaching a first head pad 4000 or asecond head pad 5000 described later are provided on the boundarybetween the first head protector 3002 and the second head protector3005.

Slits SL1 and SL2 having horizontal openings are provided on theboundary between the second head protector 3005 and the first bodyprotector 3001, so that the shoulder belts 22 and 24 provided on thejuvenile safety car seat 2000 pass through the slits SL1 and SL2.

The second head protector 3005 and the upper second body protectors 3006and 3007 are attachable to/detachable from each other with snapfasteners A1 and A2, while the upper second body protectors 3006 and3007 and the lower second body protectors 3008 and 3009 are attachableto/detachable from each other with snap fasteners A3 and A4. Further,openings are provided on coupling portions between the upper second bodyprotectors 3006 and 3007 and the lower second body protectors 3008 and3009, so that the lumbar belts 18 and 20 provided on the juvenile safetycar seat 2000 pass through these openings.

The first body protector 3001 is provided with an opening 3003, so thatthe buckle 17 provided on the juvenile safety car seat 2000 passesthrough the opening 3003. The first body protector 3001 is provided onits lower end with a flap 3001 a, so that the lower ends of the secondbody protectors 3008 and 3009 and the flap 3001 a of the first bodyprotector 3001 can be coupled with each other by bending the flap 3001 aupward.

Referring to FIG. 49, the first head pad 4000 is attached to the firsthead protector 3002 and the second head protector 3005. This first headpad 4000 is attachable or detachable through the openings SL3, SL4 andSL5. The first head pad 4000 includes a bottom pad 4001 protecting thehead of the baby from below and a guard pad 4002 protecting the head ofthe baby from above and from both sides.

The flap 3001 a provided on the lower end of the first body protector3001 is bent upward so that the lower ends of the second body protectors3008 and 3009 and the flap 3001 a of the first body protector 3001 aredetachably coupled with each other with snap fasteners A7 to A10.

Further, snap fasteners A5, A6, A11 and A12 for attachably/detachablyproviding a leg cover 7000 described later are provided on the sidesurfaces of the second body protectors 3008 and 3009 and the backsurface of the flap 3001 a.

Referring to FIG. 50, the second head pad 5000 is attached to the firsthead protector 3002 and the second head protector 3005. The second headpad 5000 is attachable/detachable through the openings SL3, SL4 and SL5.

As shown in FIGS. 50 and 51, the second head pad 5000 includes a bottompad 5001 protecting the head of the baby from below, a guard pad 5002protecting the head of the baby from above and from both sides, and adomy sunshade 5003 for shielding the baby against exposure to light.

Snap fasteners A13, A14, A15 and A16 are provided between the forwardend of the guard pad 5002 and the bottom pad 5001, so that the space ofthe guard pad 5002 is controllable.

FIG. 52 shows the structure of the second head pad 5000 in detail. Thisfigure is a sectional view taken along the line LII—LII in FIG. 51. Thebottom pad 5001 is provided with a front surface member 5001 bconsisting of a material having air permeability on the side of thebaby's head and with a back surface member 5001 c having a cushionyproperty on the rear side. The back surface member 5001 c is providedwith belts 5004 and 5005 and buckles 5007 and 5008, for fixing thesecond head pad 5000 through slits (not shown) provided on the firsthead pad 4000.

The guard pad 5002 is provided with a surface member 5002 a having airpermeability and a core member 5002 prepared from a silicon specific gelhaving continuous bubble structure, which is a silicon foaming agent(ten-time foaming). The silicon specific gel can effectively absorb ashock and put the baby at ease since the same feels approximate to themother's breast.

While specific materials for the respective parts of the protector 3000according to this embodiment are not mentioned in the above, it ispossible to effectively absorb a shock and put the baby at ease byemploying the silicon specific gel for at least regions coming intocontact with the baby.

The sunshade 5003 includes a sunshade body 5003 b formed by a memberhaving a shielding property and an edge portion 5003 a, maintaining thedome shape of the sunshade body 5003 b, provided in view of design.

The protector 3000 shown in FIGS. 49 or 50 and having the aforementionedstructure is particularly suitable for a newborn baby or infant. Thefirst head pad 4000 or the second head pad 5000 enables at least atriple guard for the head of the baby along with the side guards 2 a and2 b of the juvenile safety car seat 2000. When the integrally formedprotector 3000 according to this embodiment is located most downwardwith respect to the child safety car seat 2000 (the clearance betweenthe buckle 17 and the opening 3003 is W3 or W2), the space between thehead portion and the crotch portion is controlled in response to thelength of the body of the baby, for supporting the baby in a spacesuitable to its current stage of development.

FIG. 48 shows an infantile bed mode suitable to the growth of a baby ininfancy or childhood. When the first head pad 4000 or the second headpad 5000 is detached and the integrally formed protector 3000 accordingto this embodiment is arranged on a prescribed position with respect tothe juvenile safety car seat 2000 (the clearance between the buckle 17and the opening 3003 is W) following growth of the baby, the spacebetween the head portion and the crotch portion is controlled inresponse to the length of the body of the baby, for supporting the babywith a space suitable to its size.

FIG. 30 shows a child bed mode suitable to the size of a baby inchildhood. When the protector 3000 is detached following growth of thebaby, it is possible to support the baby in a space suitable to itssize.

Thus, the clearance defined between the space and the baby is properlyfilled up by changing the mode in response to growth of the baby in aneonatal period, in infancy or in childhood, while the baby is safelyand comfortably supported in a lying state so that the brain and theneck of the baby are safely supported without hindering abdominalrespiration.

In order to support the baby in a more preferably state, lumbar pads6001 and 6002 are attachably/detachably provided inside the second bodyprotectors 3008 and 3009 for protecting the lumbar region of the baby,as shown in FIG. 53.

As shown in a sectional view of FIG. 54, the lumbar pads 6001 and 6002are provided with surface members 6001 a and 6002 a having airpermeability and core members 6001 b and 6002 b prepared from thesilicon specific gel having a continuous bubble structure, which is asilicon foaming agent (ten-time foaming), similarly to the second headpad 5000. The silicon specific gel can effectively absorb a shock andcan put the baby at ease since the same feels approximate to themother's breast.

In order to support the baby in a more preferable state, the leg cover7000 is provided to be attachable to/detachable from the protector 3000with the snap fasteners A5, A6, A11 and A12 for protecting a portionclose to the leg region of the baby from above, as shown in FIG. 55.Thus, the baby can be prevented from chilling caused by an airconditioner in the car particularly in air-conditioned driving.

In order to support the baby in a more preferable state, a pair of bodycovers 8001 and 8002 are provided to be openable/closable through a snapfastener A17 for covering the abdomen of the baby from above, as shownin FIG. 46.

The body covers 8001 and 8002 covering the abdomen of the baby fromabove can temporarily fix the shoulder belts 22 and 24 (including thelumbar belts 18 and 20 and the tongue plates 19 and 21) on both sides bycoupling hook-and-loop fasteners 8001 a and 8002 a provided on the outersides of the body covers 8001 and 8002 with hook-and-loop fasteners 3008a and 3009 a provided on the outer sides of the second body protectors3008 and 3009 of the protector 3000 thereby maintaining the body covers8001 and 8002 in outwardly open states as shown in FIGS. 57 and 58, forexample. Thus, the baby can be smoothly put on/out of the juvenilesafety car seat 2000 without hindrance by the shoulder belts 22 and 24(including the lumbar belts 18 and 20 and the tongue plates 19 and 21).

Further, it is also possible to prevent the tongue plates 19 and 21 fromtemperature rise resulting from direct sunlight in summer.

Also in the leg cover 7000 and the body covers 8001 and 8002, it ispossible to effectively absorb a shock and put the baby at ease byemploying the silicon specific gel, feeling approximate to the mother'sbreast, for regions coming into contact with the baby.

While the body covers 8001 and 8002 are provided on the protector 3000in the structure shown in FIG. 58, these body covers 8001 and 8002 mayalternatively be provided on the juvenile safety car seat 2000, as shownin FIG. 59.

The snap fasteners A1 to A17 implementing attachment/detachment of therespective members in the aforementioned embodiment may be replaced withhook-and-loop fasteners, for example.

Application of the protector according to each of the second and thirdembodiments is not restricted to the juvenile safety car seat, but theprotector is widely applicable to a general child-care instrument suchas a playpen employed indoors or a baby carriage, for example.

According to the inventive juvenile safety car seat having thecapacity-variable device, it is possible to protect a juvenile in anygrowth stage with a support space having a capacity most suitable to thesize of the juvenile or child.

Consequently, the juvenile safety car seat can be improved incomfortability and safeness for the overall body of the juvenile.Further, it is possible to protect the baby with a composite multilayerstructure by employing the protector, for further improvingcomfortability and safeness for a neonate or an infant whose brain is ina developmental stage.

The juvenile safety car seat according to the present invention can beprovided with only one locking release device. The position of thelocking release device, which is provided on the seat body, remainsunchanged after the juvenile safety car seat is attached to the seat ofthe car. Consequently, handleability of the rotation device and thebackward inclination device can be improved.

The juvenile safety car seat according to the present invention can beattached to the seat of the car at a proper angle regardless of theshape of the seat of the car. Consequently, the juvenile safety car seatcan be improved in safeness on the basis of improvement ofattachability.

According to the inventive protector, it is possible to support ajuvenile of any growth stage with a support space having a capacityresponsive to the habitus of the juvenile. Further, the protectorenables double protection with the upper protector and the headprotector particularly for a neonate or an infant whose brain is in adevelopmental stage. Consequently, the child-care instrument employingthis protector can be improved in comfortability and safeness for theoverall body of the juvenile.

According to the inventive protector for a child-care instrument, it ispossible to support a juvenile of any growth stage with a support spacehaving a capacity responsive to the growth of the juvenile.

The child-care instrument according to the present invention allowsselection of a neonatal bed mode suitable to the habitus of a baby in aneonatal period, an infantile bed mode suitable to the habitus of aninfantile baby and a child seat mode suitable to the habitus of a babyin childhood, whereby it is possible to apply a bed mode and a seat modemost suitable for the baby on the basis of the medical criteria for ababy in a neonatal period, infancy or childhood whose brain is in adevelopmental stage in particular for protecting the brain, the neck andrespiration of the baby in a proper state.

The bed for a neonate according to the present invention enablesapplication of a bed mode most suitable for a baby in a neonatal periodon the basis of the medical criteria for a baby in a neonatal periodwhose brain is in a developmental stage in particular, for protectingthe brain, the neck and respiration of the baby in a neonatal period ina proper state.

Although the present invention has been described and illustrated indetail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustrationand example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spirtand scope of the present invention being limited only by the terms ofthe appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A child safety seat adapted to be secured to acar seat by a seat belt provided on said car seat, said child safetyseat comprising a backrest (6) for supporting a child's back, a shoulderbelt (22, 24) provided on said backrest (6) for securing a child to saidbackrest, and shoulder belt position control means (200) operativelyconnected to said shoulder belt for controlling the position andinclination of said shoulder belt relative to said backrest, saidshoulder belt position control means (200) comprising a holding plate(208, 210) for holding said shoulder belt (22, 24), said backrest (6)comprising an elongated hole (204, 206) for slidably securing saidholding plate (208, 210) so that said holding plate is slidable up anddown along said elongated hole (204, 206) for adapting a position ofsaid shoulder belt to the size of a child without removing the childfrom said safety seat.
 2. The child safety seat of claim 1, wherein saidshoulder belt position control means further comprise control membersfor varying a vertical and horizontal position of said shoulder beltrelative to said backrest.
 3. The child safety seat of claim 1, whereinsaid shoulder belt position control means further comprise controlelements for varying a side-to-side position of said shoulder belt sothat two shoulder belts can be spaced from each other by a variableextent (L1, L2).
 4. A child safety seat comprising: a backrest; a seatbottom connected to said backrest; first and second shoulder safetybelts; and belt position controller means for selectively variablypositioning and supporting respective first and second upper beltportions of said first and second shoulder safety belts relative to saidbackrest, comprising means for increasing a lateral spacing distancebetween said first and second upper belt portions responsive to andtogether with moving said first and second upper belt portions upwardlyrelative to said backrest and for decreasing said lateral spacingdistance responsive to and together with moving said first and secondupper belt portions downwardly relative to said backrest, and means forincreasing an inclination angle of each one of said first and secondupper belt portions responsive to and together with moving said firstand second upper belt portions downwardly relative to said backrest andfor decreasing said inclination angle responsive to and together withmoving said first and second upper belt portions upwardly relative tosaid backrest.
 5. A child safety seat comprising: a seat bottom; abackrest connected to said seat bottom and having first and secondelongated holes therein, wherein said first and second elongated holesrespectively extend in elongation directions that are respectivelyinclined away from each other, with respective bottom ends of said firstand second elongated holes being laterally closer together thanrespective upper ends of said first and second elongated holes; firstand second belt holding plates that are respectively arranged to slideguidely along said first and second elongated holes, and thatrespectively have slit holes therein; and first and second shouldersafety belts respectively having first and second upper belt portionsextending through said slit holes of said first and second belt holdingplates and being supported thereby relative to said backrest; whereinsaid first and second belt holding plates respectively comprise firstand second circular disks that are arranged rotatably in said first andsecond elongated holes respectively.
 6. The child safety seat accordingto claim 5, wherein said backrest further has a guide slot thereinextending on a vertical plane between said first and second elongatedholes, and further comprising a control pin arranged in said guide slotto be slidable therealong, and first and second control arms connectedpivotally to said control pin, wherein said first and second beltholding plates are respectively connected to said first and secondcontrol arms.
 7. The child safety seat according to claim 6, furthercomprising a control plate fixed to said control pin, wherein saidcontrol plate has therein first and second elongated guide holes thatare inclined outwardly with respective upper ends thereof away from eachother, and wherein said first and second circular disks are receivedslidably and rotatably in said first and second elongated guide holes.8. The child safety seat according to claim 5, wherein said backrestfurther has a guide slot therein extending on a vertical plane betweensaid first and second elongated holes, and further comprising a controlpin arranged in said guide slot to be slidable therealong, and a controlplate fixed to said control pin, wherein said control plate has thereinfirst and second elongated guide holes that are inclined outwardly withrespective upper ends thereof away from each other, and wherein saidfirst and second circular disks are received slidably and rotatably insaid first and second elongated guide holes.